Visalia, CA Fence Regulations: Permit Requirements (2026)

Visalia Municipal Code (VMC) Title 15 (Buildings and Construction), Chapter 15.40 (Miscellaneous Building Regulations), Section 15.40.020 governs fence permits. The section states that 'no person, firm, or corporation shall erect, construct, alter, or move a fence in the city, or cause the same to be done, without first obtaining a no fee permit from the city building department.' The purpose, per VMC 15.40.020, is 'to control location and height of fences as may be required by city laws, rules, and regulations to safeguard life or limb, property and public welfare.' The ordinance applies to all fences six feet or less in height; fences and walls exceeding six feet are regulated as structures under the California Building Code (adopted in VMC Title 15) and require a standard building permit with structural review. Applications are filed at the Permit Counter at 315 E. Acequia Avenue, Visalia, CA 93291 (559-713-4444). Pool barriers are separately regulated under VMC 15.40.040 and California Health and Safety Code § 115923 (Swimming Pool Safety Act), which requires a 60-inch (5-foot) enclosure with self-closing, self-latching gates around private pools.